Poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) polymerization in three-component microemulsion stabilized by a cationic surfactant

Abstract: The polymerization of n-hexyl methacrylate (n-HMA) in three-component microemulsion stabilized with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) is reported as a function of monomer and initiator concentrations and temperature. The obtained latices were bluish, transparent, and translucent. Particle sizes and molar masses were on the order of 20 nm and , respectively. In all cases, high reaction rates and final conversions of 98% were obtained. Polymerization temperature has a strong effect on reaction rate and conversion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]